One of the things that struck me early in this challenge is we
didn’t see it coming. This is more like an earthquake than a hurricane.
We see the result, but we can’t see its progress. That just
leads to more uncertainty, because we wonder where it will go
next. All of this might seem obvious, but I think it is important
to know where we are before we can figure out where we are
going. Everything stated so far is just simply to acknowledge
that this is indeed hard and that we are all in this together. So
now what?
I believe very strongly that our economy will rebound. As
soon as people are allowed to return to work, to return to productivity,
the furnace of our economy will once again start to
burn. I also believe it will be a fairly quick recovery and that
businesses in general will start to see the result in a short period.
Going from no cash flow to some cash flow is a big step. We
have already seen this with restaurants and specialty stores. The
path to economic recovery may take some time, but I believe
that it will not be the same as an economic construction cycle
that takes years. Companies are resilient and they will figure out
how to work in this new environment. It is do or die. I believe
they will “do!”
Even though we have some significant challenges ahead, I
also believe that we have some great opportunities. The challenges
we are facing are as real as the economic impact caused
by this pandemic. Companies will see new levels of business
opportunity that have not been apparent before. And people of
all areas will see increased opportunities to help each other, be
considerate of each other and work together to get through this
hard time. In the end, isn’t that what we do? We work together.
PDCA as an organization has faced its own challenges. Our
staff has been forced to work at home. This is not all bad but
it’s not the best. I’m pretty sure that non-member companies
are most likely not thinking about joining an association during
a time like this, which is evidenced by our decreased membership.
The PDCA Board of Directors made the very difficult
decisions to cancel the Annual Conference and DICEP. These
are no small challenges. But once again, it is the membership
of this organization that have come through to support the
efforts, provide encouragement during the uncertainty and
show patience as we work through the changes. It is the people
in each organization that show their concern for co-workers
and take time out to help in their communities.
1995 – 2020
Tragedy often brings out the best in people and that has
certainly been the case in this situation. I want to give a shout
out to the numerous examples of PDCA members who have
expended themselves to help others. It’s humbling to see how
these companies and individuals have selflessly put themselves
at risk to make sure others have an opportunity to succeed.
We have seen and I have personally witnessed companies and
people rise to the occasion, step in and provide a helping hand
to help lift the load or a shoulder to provide comfort and reassurance.
We have reports of PDCA members who have provided
face masks, face shields and visors to first responders. PDCA
members have helped to reconstruct a shuttered hospital into
a new COVID-19 treatment center. PDCA members have helped
develop a curriculum for children who are forced to stay at
home due to school closings. PDCA members have even sent
baby wipes to those in need across international lines. We could
give other countless examples about all the good that is going
on during this tragic time. Please don’t miss it. It’s out there.
People and companies are working hard to help others. Well
done, PDCA members. Well done!
PDCA is also looking for ways to continue its service to the
driven pile industry. It is not a surprise that face-to-face meetings
have been cancelled. But that doesn’t mean we can’t still
bring people together and provide information. PDCA held its
first webinar in May to present information on the Steel Sheet
Pile Guides to over 100 participants from the United States,
Canada and Europe. This was the first of what will be a regular
program by PDCA to provide timely, relevant and important
information about the driven pile industry.
PDCA is also celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.
Every PDCA member can be proud of this milestone. PDCA
recently posted the 25th anniversary logo on the website at
www.piledrivers.org/25thlogo. We invite you to visit this page
and download a version of the logo to put on your letterhead, include
on your website or add to your email signature. Help us celebrate
this special event by using the logo to show your support.
This is a hard and unprecedented time, to be sure. I am in this
with you. PDCA is in this with you. We are all in this together
and we will come out the other side stronger, more resilient and
better equipped to address the challenges that are yet to come.
Stay safe! Stay connected! Stay driven! t
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
Visit www.piledrivers.org/25thlogo to download PDCA’s special edition logo to use
on your website, email signature, advertisements, social media and more.
Help us celebrate by enhancing the visibility of PDCA!
8 | ISSUE 3 2020 www.piledrivers.org
/25thlogo
/25thlogo
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